Philosophy and mathematics professor is gaining significant steam in his bid for president of Colombia. The Green Party candidate is known for his antics once dressed up in tights and a cape and coming on stage as ‘Super Citizen.’ He is a serious candidate however and his strong message is resonating with voters. According to news reports, he is uncompromising in his refusal to play party politics and is bullish in his fight against corruption. His campaign symbol is a pencil representing his strong belief in education reform.

Rising from a distant 3 percent in opinion polls in March, Mockus has surged over 30 percent, placing him in a dead heat with former Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos, considered the heir to the legacy of the famously popular president, Álvaro Uribe.